Baklava with Honey and Walnuts

Ingredients

• 1 package Phyllo dough
• 1 lb Walnuts
• 1 cup Unsalted butter
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Honey
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tsp Lemon juice(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. 2

   Finely chop the walnuts and toss with cinnamon. Set aside.

3. 3

   Unroll the phyllo dough. Cut the whole stack to fit the dish. Cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

4. 4

   Place two sheets of dough in the pan, butter thoroughly. Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered.

5. 5

   Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top.

6. 6

   Layer two more sheets of dough, butter, and then nuts. Repeat until all nuts are used, ending with about 6-8 sheets of dough on top.

7. 7

   Using a sharp knife, cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan.

8. 8

   Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

9. 9

   While baking, make the syrup: boil water and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add honey, vanilla, and lemon juice. Simmer for 20 minutes and let cool.

10. 10

    Immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot baklava. Let cool completely before serving to allow syrup to soak in.